Surf City passes beach nourishment tax

By Trista Talton - Wilmington StarNews

Published: Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 12:24 AM.

Town Manager Michael Moore has not presented his proposed 2013-14 budget, but said Tuesday he doesn't anticipate at this time asking for an increase above what the town will include for the beach fund.

Town officials and residents have discussed other ways to generate revenue for the project, including a paid parking program, increased traffic enforcement and a bridge toll.

Ravella told council members earlier this year that he didn't feel those were appropriate alternatives. He said the project likely will not begin earlier than December 2015. The beach will be nourished every six years during the 50-year period.

SurfCity property owners can expect a 25-percent tax hike beginning next fiscal year to pay for beach nourishment.

The town council recently agreed unanimously to include a temporary increase of 10 cents per $100 of value for the next budget cycle, which begins July 1, to ensure funding for a 50-year beach nourishment project that would give the town an extra 200 feet of beach and higher dunes.

The increase will be effective for five years, enough time to generate the nearly $16 million the town needs to pay its portion of the estimated initial $84 million project cost.

SurfCity's tax rate includes 5 cents per $100 of value for the town's beach fund, which sits now at about $5.2 million, Mayor Zander Guy said. The additional funds generated from the increase will push the overall tax rate from 31 cents to 41 cents per $100 valuation.

During a presentation detailing project costs, coastal project planning consultant Peter Ravella said the remainder of the money would come from federal and state funds.

The Army Corps of Engineers would design the project, which includes NorthTopsailBeach and will cost an estimated $138 million.

Benefits of the project include beefing the town's dune base to 100 feet and up to 15 feet high, reducing the risk of storm damage and further protecting homes and businesses on the island, according to town officials.

Town Manager Michael Moore has not presented his proposed 2013-14 budget, but said Tuesday he doesn't anticipate at this time asking for an increase above what the town will include for the beach fund.

Town officials and residents have discussed other ways to generate revenue for the project, including a paid parking program, increased traffic enforcement and a bridge toll.

Ravella told council members earlier this year that he didn't feel those were appropriate alternatives. He said the project likely will not begin earlier than December 2015. The beach will be nourished every six years during the 50-year period.